Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: On World Autism Awareness Day, Pakistan reiterated its dedication to advancing the rights, education, and social inclusion of individuals with autism. Under this year&rsquo;s theme, &ldquo;Autism and Humanity: Every Life Has Value,&rdquo; Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described autism as a neurodevelopmental difference that &quot;can affect communication, language, and social interaction,&quot; according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister&#39;s Office.&nbsp; &ldquo;Individuals on the autism spectrum deserve understanding, acceptance, and equal opportunities to participate fully in society,&rdquo; the PM said. Providing appropriate care, education, and training to children with special needs remains one of the government&rsquo;s top priorities, he said, with efforts underway to enhance their capabilities using available resources.&nbsp; Part of those efforts includes a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence for Autism whose foundation stone was laid by the federal government in December 2025. The center is expected to be completed within the year, as per the PM&#39;s statement. The PM stressed that supporting children with special abilities was a collective responsibility and paid tribute to parents, teachers, and caregivers for their dedication. He said advanced facilities were urgently needed across the country so that persons with autism and other developmental challenges do not feel isolated.&nbsp; In a message on the day, President Asif Ali Zardari said the government was working to strengthen support systems through early identification, inclusive education, rehabilitation services, and public awareness to reduce barriers faced by individuals with autism. &ldquo;Autism is not a limitation, it is a different way of experiencing the world,&rdquo; the president said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Our responsibility is to ensure that individuals on the autism spectrum have access to the support, education and understanding they need to live with confidence.&rdquo; Numbers impacted&nbsp;Citing global estimates, Zardari said one in every 100 children is on the autism spectrum, with signs appearing early in life and affecting communication, learning, and interaction. In Pakistan, available estimates suggest about 0.5% of the population is affected, according to APP. Given the country&#39;s population of nearly 250 million, this figure translates to well over a million individuals, many of them children. A study by Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) estimates that around two million children in Pakistan are affected by learning and developmental disabilities, including dyslexia and autism, with most diagnosed at a late stage. How can the challenges be combated?&nbsp;According to the WHO, evidence shows that early identification, inclusive education and nurturing care in families and communities can significantly improve health, well-being and participation.&nbsp; President Zardari, in his statement, highlighted how challenging it can be for parents who &quot;often have to travel long distances to find specialized care or adjust work schedules to attend therapy sessions.&quot;&nbsp; In an effort to counter this, the president said the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad has set up a dedicated autism center offering diagnostic services, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral support and guidance for parents. Such facilities are important in building a more coordinated approach to care. Screening during routine child health visits, along with better training for doctors, teachers and community workers, can help ensure quicker referrals. Nutritional support during pregnancy, including folic acid supplementation, has also been shown to reduce risk. This allows children to receive help when it can make the greatest difference,&rdquo; the president said. &quot;A society is measured by how it treats those who need support,&quot; he added.&nbsp; &quot;We must ensure that individuals with autism are able to live with dignity, take part in daily life and pursue their potential without unnecessary obstacles.&quot; Globally, the WHO says one in every 127 people is diagnosed with autism. The health organization has placed autism among the top ten brain health conditions contributing to health loss worldwide.

Health

Under this year’s theme, “Autism and Humanity: Every Life Has Value,” Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described autism as a neurodevelopmental difference that "can affect communication, language, and social interaction," according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office. 

PM, president call for greater inclusion as Pakistan marks Autism Awareness Day

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will vaccinate more than 45 million children during its second nationwide polio eradication campaign of 2026, scheduled to run from April 13 to April 19, the National Emergency Operations Center (EOC) said on Monday.&nbsp;The week-long drive will be conducted across the country, with health teams administering oral polio vaccine drops to children under the age of five.&nbsp;In addition to polio vaccination, children will also receive supplementary doses of Vitamin A to boost immunity and support overall health, the EOC said.&nbsp;Over 413,000 polio workers will take part in the campaign, carrying out door-to-door vaccination and related activities nationwide.&nbsp;According to official data, over <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-launches-2026-polio-campaign-for-45-million-children" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">23 million children will be vaccinated in Punjab</a> province, 10.6 million in Sindh, 7.2 million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 2.6 million in Balochistan province.&nbsp;Meanwhile, more than 460,000 children will receive polio drops in the federal capital Islamabad, 228,000 in Gilgit-Baltistan, and over 760,000 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;Health authorities described polio eradication as a shared national responsibility and urged parents to fully cooperate with vaccination teams to ensure that all eligible children receive the vaccine.&nbsp;They emphasized that the timely administration of polio drops is essential to protect children from lifelong disability and to secure a polio-free future for the country.

Pakistan to run its second national polio vaccination campaign of 2026 from April 13 to April 19. (Polio Free Pakistan)

The week-long drive will be conducted across the country, with health teams administering oral polio vaccine drops to children under the age of five.

Pakistan to vaccinate over 45M children in anti-polio campaign

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has made the elimination of tuberculosis (TB) a key public health priority&nbsp;as the country marked World Tuberculosis Day. In an official statement by the Prime Minister&#39;s Office, PM Sharif&nbsp;outlined a comprehensive strategy focused on early diagnosis, universal access to quality treatment, disease prevention, and improved patient care. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 945px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2036173185243123937&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F4879%2F&sessionId=c58bd1d0857ebd97a0314139cb2ef886565192f7&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> Calling TB &quot;one of the leading infectious diseases&quot; and a &quot;serious health, social and economic challenge&quot; for Pakistan and much of the developing world, he said the government was expanding modern diagnostic facilities, improving laboratory networks and strengthening surveillance systems. The government is also planning to integrate TB services into primary healthcare centers to ensure uninterrupted treatment nationwide. &ldquo;Today, on World Tuberculosis Day, Pakistan, together with the international community, reaffirms its commitment to completely eliminate the treatable and preventable disease of tuberculosis,&rdquo; he said. PM Sharif stated that the disease disproportionately affects marginalized communities and is closely linked to poverty, malnutrition, and inequality. He said the World Tuberculosis Day serves to raise public awareness about the disease and to intensify efforts to eliminate it. The prime minister&nbsp;stated that public participation was essential. Community health workers, civil society organizations, researchers, and private healthcare providers played a key role in tackling stigma, promoting early diagnosis, and ensuring treatment continuity. He mentioned that international cooperation, technical partnerships, and sustained global funding was also critical to achieving complete elimination of the disease. PM Sharif called on federal and provincial governments, development partners, academia, the private sector, media, and community leaders to strengthen coordinated efforts to ensure that no TB patient was left untreated.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister stated that tuberculosis elimination is a public health priority for the government. (National Institutes of Health, Islamabad Pakistan)

PM Sharif says tuberculosis elimination is a national priority, outlining plans to expand diagnosis, treatment and prevention while urging public participation and funding.

Pakistan ramps up fight against tuberculosis with new national strategy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that the world was facing a moment of &ldquo;polycrisis&rdquo; as &ldquo;geopolitical hostility, climate stress, and technological disruption&rdquo; were all converging into a single destabilizing force.&nbsp; The prime minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pm-sharif-accorded-guard-of-honor-in-vienna" style="color:#0073e6;">arrived</a>&nbsp;in Austria last week for a two-day&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-pm-to-visit-austria-for-first-time-in-34-years" style="color:#0073e6;">official visit</a>&nbsp;at the invitation of Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch are also part of the visiting delegation. While&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/austriapakistan-leaders-reaffirm-bilateral-relations-expand-economic-cooperation" style="color:#0073e6;">addressing</a>&nbsp;the United Nations&rsquo; Special Event on Sustainable Development, Pathway for Global Peace and Prosperity held in Vienna International Center, the premier said the &ldquo;only one route to durable peace&rdquo; was the route of &ldquo;sustainable development that leaves no one behind.&rdquo; &ldquo;It is humanity&#39;s ultimate prevention tool, and therefore it is need of the hour,&rdquo; PM Sharif said, adding that &ldquo;development cannot be called sustainable if it excludes millions from the promise of a better life.&rdquo; &ldquo;We must therefore pursue policies that promote inclusion, strengthen social protection, and ensure equitable distribution of resources,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp; The prime minister reminded the gathering that Pakistan&rsquo;s experience with climate change was illustrative as &ldquo;developing countries, despite contributing least to global emissions and historical inequities, bear the heaviest cost of climate change, debt distress, and economic volatility.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;We contribute less than 1% of global emissions, yet we bear the brunt of cascading impacts,&rdquo; he said, asserting that the climate crisis &ldquo;erode human security at its core.&rdquo; &ldquo;Despite formidable challenges, Pakistan remains firmly committed to the ideals of sustainable development,&rdquo; PM Sharif said.&nbsp;&ldquo;Our focus is on human development, education, health care, food security, and social protection, particularly for women and youth, who represent our greatest asset and our future,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Therefore, let us not merely address the festering wounds of our world. Let us heal them at their source,&rdquo; the prime minister added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan’s prime minister says “geopolitical hostility, climate stress, and technological disruption” were all converging into a single destabilizing force,” adds that only one route to durable peace was the route of “sustainable development that leaves no one behind.”

Planet facing a moment of 'polycrisis,' PM Sharif tells UN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has successfully concluded its first nationwide anti-polio vaccination campaign of 2026, with more than 44.3 million children administered polio drops across the country, the National Emergency Operations Center (EOC) said on Monday.&nbsp;According to official data, Punjab recorded the highest coverage, with over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-launches-2026-polio-campaign-for-45-million-children" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">22.9 million children vaccinated</a>, followed by Sindh, where more than 10.5 million children received polio drops.&nbsp;In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, over 7.13 million children were vaccinated, while in Balochistan, more than 2.36 million children were immunised.&nbsp;The campaign also covered smaller regions, with over 455,000 children vaccinated in Islamabad, around 261,000 in Gilgit-Baltistan, and more than 673,000 children in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;Health authorities said the campaign was synchronized to be conducted in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, reflecting coordinated cross-border efforts to curb the transmission of the poliovirus.&nbsp;Pakistan remains one of the last countries in the world where polio is endemic, and officials say sustained nationwide campaigns are critical to achieving complete eradication of the disease. The National EOC thanked all relevant stakeholders for their cooperation and active participation in ensuring the campaign&#39;s smooth and successful conduct.&nbsp;It paid special tribute to polio workers and security personnel, describing them as the nation&rsquo;s real heroes for performing their duties under challenging conditions.

Pakistan concludes its first national polio vaccination campaign of 2026 on February 09. 2026. (File photo: Polio Free Pakistan)

Punjab records the highest coverage, with over 22.9 million children vaccinated, followed by Sindh, where more than 10.5 million children receive polio drops.

Pakistan vaccinates over 44M children in first polio campaign of 2026

Simran Siraj

KARACHI: Infectious disease experts at Aga Khan University Hospital have reassured the public that the Nipah virus poses no immediate threat to Pakistan, despite renewed regional concern following reports from parts of South Asia. Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital during a media roundtable earlier this week, specialists emphasized that while Nipah is a highly lethal virus, its current transmission patterns and geographical concentration make the risk to Pakistan exceptionally low. Public anxiety has largely centered on fruit bats in Pakistan, which are known to be natural reservoirs of the virus. Addressing these concerns, Dr Nosheen Nasir, the section head of Infectious Diseases at AKUH, said the virus does not spread merely because bats are present. &ldquo;We want to clarify that simply having bats in the area does not mean an outbreak is imminent,&rdquo; Dr Nasir told Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;The virus isn&rsquo;t transmitted through casual exposure, like a bat flying nearby.&rdquo; &ldquo;The real risk lies in spillover events, such as consuming food or raw tree sap contaminated by an infected animal. For the average citizen, basic food hygiene is the most powerful tool we have.&rdquo; Dr Nasir added that recent Nipah clusters remain confined to eastern India and Bangladesh, with no reported cases in regions bordering Pakistan. Preparedness over panicExperts acknowledged the virus&rsquo;s high fatality rate but stressed that Nipah is far less contagious than respiratory viruses such as COVID-19. Dr Faisal Mahmood, professor of Infectious Diseases and associate chief medical officer at AKUH, said the focus should remain on healthcare preparedness rather than public alarm. &ldquo;Nipah is a serious infection, but it is not a current domestic emergency,&rdquo; Dr Mahmood said. &ldquo;Our healthcare resources are better spent addressing immediate challenges, such as the rise in measles cases. That said, vigilance is critical.&rdquo; He explained that clinicians have been advised to closely monitor patients presenting with severe fever and neurological symptoms. &ldquo;Early isolation and specialized protocols are already mapped out to prevent any potential spread,&rdquo; he noted, describing this as a key part of managing the patient journey. The roundtable also highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing screening of travelers at international entry points as an important preventive measure.&nbsp; Drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the experts underscored that long-term health security depends on early coordination, clinician awareness, and informed communities. The medical community&rsquo;s message to the public remains clear: maintain high standards of food hygiene, avoid consuming raw date palm sap, and rely on verified medical guidance rather than unverified information circulating on social media.

Nipah virus antibody test. Identifying antibodies to the Nipah virus indicating exposure to the virus, and specifically, the type of antibody (IgM or IgG) provides clues about the timing of exposure. (AFP)

Infectious disease experts at Aga Khan University Hospital say the virus poses no immediate risk to Pakistan, urging preparedness over panic, emphasizing food hygiene, surveillance, clinician vigilance, and public awareness.

Nipah virus poses no immediate threat to Pakistan: Health experts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan inaugurated its first national polio vaccination campaign of 2026 on Monday, according to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC). In an official statement, the officials vowed to protect more than 45 million children across the country. The Prime Minister&#39;s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, and the High Commissioner of Canada, Tariq Ali Khan, administered polio drops to children during a ceremony at a Basic Health Unit in Islamabad&#39;s Rawal Town area. Country representatives of UNICEF and WHO attended the inauguration hosted by the National Emergency Operations Center. &quot;Polio eradication is among the top priorities of the Government of Pakistan,&quot; the focal person said. &quot;This campaign holds immense significance at this crucial stage of the journey towards polio eradication.&quot; Ayesha Farooq praised the frontline polio workers whose efforts are advancing eradication goals. &quot;The sacrifices and efforts of frontline polio workers are paving the way for the eradication of polio,&quot; she said. The Prime Minister&#39;s focal person highlighted Canada&#39;s role in the immunization effort. &quot;Canada&#39;s long-standing and valuable partnership has played a key role in protecting children,&quot; Farooq said. She thanked Canadian government for continued support.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, and the High Commissioner of Canada, Tariq Ali Khan, administered polio drops to children during a ceremony at a Basic Health Unit in Islamabad's Rawal Town area.

Pakistan launches national polio campaign to reach 45 million children in 2026

ISLAMABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir cabinet approved the launch of the health card scheme in the state, according to state-run Radio Pakistan on Thursday. The cabinet, which met with <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/severe-winter-storm-grips-northern-pakistan-triggers-rescue-operations" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">AJK</a> Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore in the chair in Muzaffarabad, also approved the allocation and transfer of state land for the establishment of Daanish School Haveli, and constituted a four-member committee to resolve the matters relating to Healthcare Hospital, Mirpur. Quality healthcare&nbsp;Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Rathore highlighted the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-tells-un-words-wont-legitimize-indias-kashmir-occupation-warns-weaponization-of-water" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">government&rsquo;s</a> key priorities: public welfare, education, health, and development projects. He said the health card facility will give the common citizen direct access to quality healthcare services. The prime minister also directed the departments&nbsp;concerned to ensure the timely and effective implementation of cabinet decisions, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported. The cabinet, through a unanimous resolution, condemned the denial of the right to self-determination to the Kashmiri people, the illegal detention of Hurriyat leader Muhammad Yasin Malik and other Kashmiri prisoners, and political and human rights violations being committed by Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The cabinet also congratulated the Pakistan Air Force on the successful development of its Taimoor defense system, and paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for the successful helicopter rescue operation in the Leyah Valley. Armed forces lauded&nbsp; On the occasion, Prime Minister Rathore said that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are playing a commendable role in defending the country, safeguarding national security, and protecting citizens&rsquo; lives and property during natural disasters. &ldquo;The nation takes pride in the professionalism and sacrifices of its brave armed forces&rdquo;, he remarked. The meeting was attended by cabinet members, the chief secretary, and other government secretaries.

Prime Minister Rathore highlights the government’s key priorities, which include public welfare, education, health, and development projects; says the health card facility will give common citizens direct access to quality healthcare services.

Azad Kashmir cabinet approves launch of health card scheme

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has enforced &ldquo;strict and enhanced health surveillance&rdquo; at all entry points after India confirmed two cases of the deadly Nipah virus, joining several Asian countries in stepping up screening of travelers amid regional health alerts. The measures were announced through an advisory issued by Border Health Services - Pakistan following reports of Nipah virus cases in India&rsquo;s West Bengal region. &ldquo;In view of the recent regional alert regarding Nipah Virus, as reported through international and regional public health surveillance mechanisms, including the WHO South-East Asia Region Epidemiological Bulletin, which has reported suspected cases of Nipah Virus infection in West Bengal, India, it has become imperative to further strengthen &lsquo;preventive and surveillance measures at Pakistan&rsquo;s borders,&rsquo;&rdquo; the advisory said. It added that the decision was taken &ldquo;considering the high case fatality rate, zoonotic nature, and potential for human-to-human transmission&rdquo; of the virus. To prevent cross-border transmission and ensure early detection, authorities decided to enforce &ldquo;strict and enhanced health surveillance at all points of entry (POEs) with immediate effect,&rdquo; according to the directive. The instructions apply to &ldquo;international airports, seaports, and ground / land border crossings, without any exception,&rdquo; the statement said. The advisory also highlighted that all in-charges at points of entry shall ensure &ldquo;100% screening of all arriving passengers, transit passengers, crew members, drivers, helpers, and support staff. No individual shall be allowed entry into Pakistan without health clearance by Border Health Services &ndash; Pakistan,&rdquo; the advisory stated. It added that &ldquo;mandatory verification of country of origin and complete travel and transit history for the preceding twenty-one (21) days shall be carried out for each and every traveler, irrespective of nationality or travel status.&rdquo; Officials were also directed to exercise &ldquo;special vigilance for travelers originating from, or transiting through, Nipah-affected or high-risk regions,&rdquo; warning that any false declaration or concealment of travel history would be reported to competent authorities for action. Under the new protocol, all travelers will undergo thermal screening and clinical assessment. Screening staff have been instructed to remain alert for symptoms such as fever, headache, respiratory illness and neurological signs, including confusion or altered consciousness. &ldquo;Any individual consistent with suspected Nipah Virus case definition shall be immediately isolated at the Point of Entry, restricted from onward movement, and managed strictly in accordance with Infection Prevention and Control protocols,&rdquo; the advisory said. Suspected cases will be referred to designated isolation facilities or tertiary care hospitals, while aircraft, vessels or vehicles involved will be disinfected under approved procedures. The advisory warned that any lapse in surveillance or infection control practices would be treated as serious negligence and said daily reports from all entry points would be shared with national health authorities.&nbsp; &ldquo;Any lapse in surveillance or IPC practices shall be treated as serious negligence,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp; Nipah threatens Asia&nbsp;An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India&#39;s West Bengal state has sparked concern across Asia, prompting some countries to tighten airport screening. Thailand has started screening passengers at three airports that receive flights from West Bengal. Nepal has also begun screening arrivals at Kathmandu airport and other land border points with India, according to Radio Pakistan. In India, the first Nipah outbreak was reported in West Bengal in 2001, AFP reported. In 2018, at least 17 people died from Nipah in Kerala, and in 2023, two people died from the virus, also in the southern state. The virus can spread from humans to humans and has a high death rate.

Joins Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia in stepping up screening of travellers after India confirmed two cases of the deadly virus. 

Pakistan enforces 'strict and enhanced health surveillance' after Nipah cases in India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a delegation led by Gates Foundation President for Global Development Chris Elias, said a press release issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office on Wednesday. The prime minister said that, with the support of reliable partners such as the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-appreciates-gates-foundation-support-reaffirms-polio-eradication-commitment" target="_blank">Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation</a>, efforts will continue until polio is completely eradicated&nbsp;from Pakistan. He added that Bill Gates&rsquo; valuable services in eradicating polio in Pakistan will always be remembered.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 576px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2016437726544044054&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=b29f471f8d25e889bec56d5e72bd2dd2d86c45b1&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The prime minister expressed profound gratitude to Bill Gates and the Muslim brotherly countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, for their cooperation in Pakistan&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/polio-cases-more-than-halve-in-2025-as-final-nationwide-drive-begins" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">fight against polio</a>. Complete eradication&nbsp;Sharif said that the government is taking practical steps within a comprehensive strategy and with an effective team, and is determined to achieve the complete eradication of this disease from Pakistan at the earliest. Despite significant success in the ongoing fight against this disease, further emergency measures are indispensable, the prime minister added. Sharif stated that the federal government, under an effective strategy, is working in full coordination with the provinces to ensure polio teams have access across the length and breadth of the country. He said that relevant projects under the Public Sector Development Program for the anti-polio campaign will continue. Public awarenessThe prime minister directed that the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with all relevant institutions, should formulate recommendations for public awareness on polio eradication and vaccine provision. Gates Foundation President for Global Development, Chris Elias, said that the Gates Foundation highly appreciates the prime minister&#39;s personal attention to polio eradication and the effective, practical measures taken in this regard. Effective measures&nbsp;Elias said that Pakistan is taking effective measures to eradicate polio and is moving toward success. Constructive consultations on polio eradication with the federal and provincial governments and relevant institutions in Pakistan will continue, he said. Elias added that effective and commendable measures have been taken to eliminate the environmental presence of the polio virus in Pakistan and to ensure polio teams&#39; access to all areas. Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal, the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, and other senior government officials were also present at the meeting.

PM Sharif says the government is taking practical steps with a comprehensive strategy and an effective team, and is determined to achieve the complete eradication of polio from Pakistan at the earliest.

Pakistan PM meets Gates Foundation delegation to advance polio eradication

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday issued its first-ever presidential statement on closer cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)&nbsp;to address regional challenges, including maritime security, terrorism, and food and water security.&nbsp; The statement, submitted by Bahrain&#39;s UN representative in his capacity as Council President for April, recognizes the GCC&rsquo;s &quot;position and expertise&quot; in promoting regional peace and security, and acknowledges its &quot;contributions to regional and international stability through mediation, preventive diplomacy, technical and financial support, and humanitarian engagement.&quot; The Council requested that the UN Secretary-General, Ant&oacute;nio Guterres, include recommendations on strengthening institutional ties with the GCC in his next report, and encouraged regular briefings by the GCC Secretary-General. &quot;The ongoing escalation underlines the urgent need for coordinated multilateral action,&quot; said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General, stressing the importance of &ldquo;strengthened&rdquo; UN-GCC cooperation. He highlighted the GCC&#39;s role in de-escalating regional tensions, supporting mediation in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, and its cooperation with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. &#39;Cornerstone of the global economy&#39;GCC Secretary-General Jassim Albudaiwi told the Council the bloc is a &quot;cornerstone of the global economy&quot;, noting its combined output exceeded $2.3 trillion in 2024 and its members&rsquo; major contribution to global oil and gas supplies. He warned that instability in the Gulf carries global consequences. &quot;Stability in the Arabian Gulf is not merely a regional concern, but is rather a global necessity,&quot; he said. Bahrain&#39;s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al Zayani announced that his country had submitted a separate draft resolution to the Council addressing what he described as Iran&#39;s &quot;unlawful and unjustified&quot; attempts to control navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, with a vote expected Friday. Delegates from the United Kingdom and France backed GCC states&#39; right to defend their sovereignty, with France stating Iran &quot;bears the primary responsibility for the current escalation.&quot;&nbsp; Russia countered that the conflict was &quot;the direct result of an unprovoked act of aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran&#39;s territory.&quot; China and Pakistan jointly called for an immediate ceasefire and the launch of peace talks. The GCC, founded in 1981, comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Americas

Europe

Middle East

The statement, submitted by Bahrain's UN representative, recognizes the GCC’s 'position and expertise' in promoting regional peace and security, and calls for deeper UN-GCC coordination on terrorism, maritime security, water and food security.

UNSC backs stronger cooperation with Gulf bloc in first-ever presidential statement

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday extended Good Friday greetings to the Christian community at home and abroad, emphasizing the values of compassion, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Prime Minister Sharif in a post on X on Friday stated: &quot;On the occasion of Good Friday, I extend sincere greetings to our brothers and sisters of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pm-sharif-extends-heartfelt-greetings-on-joyous-blessed-christmas" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Christian community</a>&nbsp;in Pakistan and members of the Christian faith across the world.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2039943098672025844&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=cf1149a8b3beaafec088d9fab9bb7e3150ffa371&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>&ldquo;May this sacred day, marked by sacrifice and reflection, strengthen our shared commitment to compassion, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence,&quot; the prime minister added.

Culture

Says, ​'May this sacred day, marked by sacrifice and reflection, strengthen our shared commitment to compassion, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence'. 

Pakistan's PM Sharif extends Good Friday greetings, urges compassion and tolerance

PARIS:&nbsp;Iran should make a deal with the United States to end the war by offering to curb its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief, a former Iranian foreign minister said. Mohammad Javad Zarif, who served as foreign minister from 2013-2021, claimed in an op-ed for American journal Foreign Affairs that Tehran had the &quot;upper hand&quot; in the conflict against the US and Israel, but argued Iran needed to stop the war to prevent the loss of more civilian lives and damage to infrastructure. &quot;Iran should use its upper hand not to keep fighting but to declare victory and make a deal that both ends this conflict and prevents the next one,&quot; Zarif said in the piece published late Thursday. &quot;It should offer to place limits on its nuclear program and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for an end to all sanctions a deal Washington wouldn&#39;t take before but might accept now,&quot; he added. &#39;Nonaggression pact&#39;&nbsp; Iran should also be prepared to accept a mutual &quot;nonaggression pact&quot; with the United States, as well as economic relations, he said. Tehran and Washington have had no diplomatic ties since shortly after the 1979 Islamic revolution. Zarif, one of the architects of the now moribund 2015 deal over the Iranian nuclear program, is seen as a relative moderate within the Islamic republic elite, but has no official post in the current government. However this is one of the first times during this conflict that a high profile figure in Iran has called for a deal and an end to the war, with top military and political officials urging daily for fighting to continue until the US is defeated. &#39;Back to the stone ages&#39;US President Donald Trump has evoked ongoing talks with Tehran without giving details but also threatened to send the country &quot;back to the stone ages&quot; if it fails to agree terms. &quot;As an Iranian, outraged by Donald Trump&#39;s reckless aggression and crude insults, yet proud of our armed forces and resilient people, I am torn about publishing this peace-plan in Foreign Affairs,&quot; Zarif wrote in English on X Friday. &quot;Yet I&#39;m convinced that war must end on terms consistent with Iran&#39;s national interests,&quot; he added. Zarif in the Foreign Affairs piece warned that &quot;although continuing to fight the United States and Israel might be psychologically satisfying, it will lead only to the further destruction of civilian lives and infrastructure&quot;.

Mohammad Javad Zarif (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Mohammad Javad Zarif urges Iran to end the conflict with the US by negotiating a deal to limit its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iran's former top diplomat urges deal with US to end war

ISLAMABAD: Congress&rsquo; National spokesperson Dr Shama Mohamed renewed scrutiny of alleged RSS backing for propaganda-style films in an X post, on Thursday.&nbsp;Dr. Shama said producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah had &ldquo;openly admitted&rdquo; that the RSS supported &ldquo;Kerala Story 2&rdquo; and arguing that this showed the organisation had backed a film meant to defame Kerala. Her post brought fresh attention to a wider debate over how the BJP and the RSS ecosystem support politically aligned cinema through ideological links, endorsements, tax breaks and promotion.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2039579655645348127&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Flogin%2F&sessionId=c92d3faf5176e582d37f5cad3e26fa7ac3e0dbe2&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>At least ten films have been produced or directed by individuals linked to the BJP, the RSS, or affiliated Hindutva organisations, an Indian news outlet, The Quint, reported on Friday. The films named in the report include The Kerala Story, The Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond, Bastar: The Naxal Story, Razakar, Swatantra Veer Savarkar, PM Narendra Modi, Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra, Bengal 1947, The Accidental Prime Minister, and Jahangir National University.&nbsp;One of the most striking claims in that report concerns producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah. The Quint said Shah acknowledged at the 2023 World Hindu Congress that The Kerala Story could not have been made without RSS &ldquo;guidance and support.&rdquo; The report said he described the RSS as the film&rsquo;s &ldquo;guardian angels.&rdquo;&nbsp;Political endorsement has also come from the top. Reuters reported that Indian PM Narendra Modi publicly praised The Kashmir Files in 2022. BJP-ruled states then moved to make the film tax-free, helping widen its reach.&nbsp;A similar pattern was seen with The Kerala Story and Article 370. NDTV reported that BJP governments in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh made The Kerala Story tax-free. NDTV also reported that the BJP government in Chhattisgarh made Article 370 tax-free.&nbsp; Taken together, the reporting suggests these films are not just cultural products. They are increasingly part of a political ecosystem where cinema, ideology, and state patronage intersect.

India

The BJP and the wider RSS ecosystem are backing a string of ultra-nationalist and propaganda-style films in India; the support is not always visible as direct funding but through political links, public endorsements, tax breaks, and coordinated promotion by party leaders and allied networks. 

Scrutiny grows over BJP-RSS backing of propaganda films

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the suicide attack on a police station in the Domel area of District Bannu, said a press release issued by Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office on Friday. The prime minister expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the incident that took place in the northwest of the country. Sharif prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, the press release said. &ldquo;We are determined to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country&rdquo;, the prime minister said.

Security

‘We are determined to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country,’ the prime minister said, according to a press release.

PM Sharif strongly condemns suicide attack in northwest Pakistan  

JINJA: Giggles and songs ripple across a field in rural eastern Uganda where elderly women swing cricket bats as a way to reshape what ageing, health and sports can look like in later life. The so-called &quot;cricket grannies&quot; are bound together by a growing love of a game they initially knew nothing about but is now helping them manage age-related health conditions, stress and loneliness. Clad in floor-length dresses and mostly barefoot, the women, aged 50 to 90, gather weekly at a playground in Jinja district, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the capital, Kampala. Each swing draws cheers from teammates as the women turn Saturday morning practice into a lively spectacle. &quot;With the exercises I&#39;ve been doing, my legs used to hurt, but they no longer do,&quot; Jennifer Waibi Nanyonga, 72, told AFP. &quot;I spent the whole of last year without seeing a doctor for my back, yet it had previously been paining me,&quot; added the grandmother of 29. The initiative began in 2025 with just 10 grandmothers in the remote village of Kivubuka and has since grown more than tenfold. The programme was initially aimed at children, but when cricket coach Aaron Kusasira realised their caregivers had little knowledge of the game and often kept them from joining, he decided to involve the elderly women, too. &quot;We come here, we jog, we move around, we do some stretches,&quot; Kusasira, 26, said. They &quot;unknowingly have to run because they have to compete,&quot; he added. Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for deaths from noncommunicable diseases and, according to the World Health Organization, it is more common among women globally. International health data estimates that sedentary lifestyles are costing public health systems roughly US$27 billion per year and will continue to rise if activity levels are not improved. Fresh start&nbsp; Beyond physical activity, cricket has also fostered a sense of community among the Ugandan grannies. &quot;When at home, you have no company and spend your time buried in your thoughts,&quot; said an elderly woman who only gave her first name, Patriciah. For others, the weekly meetings have proved cathartic. &quot;When I arrive here and see my friends, we get together and talk about our problems, we counsel each other,&quot; said Jennifer Waibi Nanyonga. &quot;By the time we return home, everyone is lighter and with a fresh start,&quot; she added. For coach Kusasira, training the women has been a win-win, giving him the opportunity to coach children in the area without opposition. &quot;From the kids to the elders, provided I see the smiles it&#39;s enough. I know that is a day well spent,&quot; he said.

In eastern Uganda’s Jinja district, groups of older women have embraced cricket as a way to stay physically active and socially connected later in life. Often referred to locally as “cricket grannies”, they take part in informal games and training that co

Africa

The so-called "cricket grannies" are bound together by a growing love of a game they initially knew nothing about but is now helping them manage age-related health conditions, stress and loneliness.

From bats to bonds: Uganda's 'cricket grannies'

DHAKA: The Bangladesh government has introduced a series of measures aimed at addressing the impact of global disruptions and ensuring stability in fuel oil supply, following a high-level cabinet meeting held at night at the Cabinet Room in the Parliament Secretariat.&nbsp; Under the new directives, all government and private offices will operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Banking hours for public transactions will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, while banks will officially close at 4:00 pm, Bangladeshi state media Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported.&nbsp; In an effort to conserve energy, shopping malls and markets nationwide must shut down by 6:00 pm. However, essential services including kitchen markets, food outlets, and pharmacies will remain exempt from this restriction. The decisions were taken by the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday night. Later, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani briefed the journalists at the media centre of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, saying that the government took measures considering fuel supply disruptions caused by the Middle East war.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prime Minister&rsquo;s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly was present at the briefing. Noting that several steps have been taken for the next three months to reduce government expenditure, the cabinet secretary said, &ldquo;No new vehicles, watercraft or aircraft will be purchased during this period&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;Procurement of new equipment, including computers, will also remain suspended, he said, adding, internal training has been reduced by 50 percent, while all foreign training under government funding will remain suspended until further notice.&nbsp;&nbsp;Expenditure on meetings and seminars has also been cut by 50 percent, Ghani said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides, he said, government spending in the power, energy and gas sectors will be reduced by 30 percent. The meeting issued a directive to reduce unnecessary travel expenses by 30 percent, the cabinet secretary added.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said new directives will be issued for the education sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ministry of Education will start issuing instructions in phases from Sunday, considering the needs of different levels, so that the measures do not have a negative impact on the education system, Ghani said.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a bid to reduce traffic congestion in the capital city during the school hour, he said, the government has decided to introduce electric buses for school students instead of private cars.&nbsp;&nbsp;Educational institutions joining the initiative will be able to import buses duty-free, the cabinet secretary said, adding, the private sector will also get this facility, but a 20 percent duty will apply for commercial purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, only new buses will be allowed for import, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Noting that imports from alternative sources are also being increased to maintain normal fuel supply, Ghani said initiatives have already been taken to import fuel from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani briefed the journalists at the media centre of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Photo : BSS)

Bangladesh

The Bangladesh government has introduced reduced working hours, spending cuts, and energy-saving measures to manage fuel shortages caused by global disruptions.

Bangladesh cuts expenditure, reduces office hours, orders markets shut after 6pm

WASHINGTON:&nbsp;US President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday and named his former personal lawyer to serve as the acting chief of the Justice Department. The US president announced the move in a social media post. &quot;Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year,&quot; Trump said on Truth Social. &quot;Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in Crime across our Country.&quot; Bondi &quot;will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector,&quot; the president said, and will be replaced on an interim basis by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who Trump described as &quot;a very talented and respected Legal Mind.&quot; According to The New York Times, Trump may name former Republican congressman Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, to be the next attorney general.In the meantime, the post will be filled by Blanche. &#39;Honor of a lifetime&#39;Bondi, in a post on X, said serving as attorney general had been &quot;the honor of a lifetime&quot; and said she will &quot;continue fighting for President Trump&quot; in her unspecified new private sector job. &quot;Over the next month I will be working tirelessly to transition the office of Attorney General to the amazing Todd Blanche,&quot; she said. &quot;I remain eternally grateful for the trust that President Trump placed in me to Make America Safe Again.&quot; Bondi&#39;s ouster comes nearly a month after Trump fired Kristi Noem as the head of the Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;Democratic lawmakers welcomed Bondi&#39;s firing. Bondi served as a prosecutor for 18 years before being elected Florida&#39;s attorney general in 2010, the first woman to hold the post.&nbsp;She was reelected to a second term in 2014.

Bondi 'will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector,' the president said, and will be replaced on an interim basis by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who Trump described as 'a very talented and respected Legal Mind.'

Trump sacks attorney general Pam Bondi, replaces with lawyer Todd Blanche

Faraz Saeed

LAHORE: Pakistan&rsquo;s digital economy could contribute between 5%-7% of gross domestic product by 2030, provided structural constraints are addressed and reforms accelerate, according to a new report by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI).&nbsp;Titled &ldquo;Recommendations for Pakistan&rsquo;s Digital Future,&rdquo; the OICCI Digital Report 2025 presents a detailed assessment of the country&rsquo;s digital landscape, highlighting both measurable gains and persistent bottlenecks shaping future growth.&nbsp;The report frames Pakistan&rsquo;s digital sector as a rapidly expanding but uneven ecosystem, where strong growth in connectivity, exports and digital finance is being tempered by infrastructure gaps and slow policy execution, raising the stakes for reforms needed to unlock its full economic potential.&nbsp;The report identifies the digital sector as an emerging driver of productivity, exports and financial inclusion, supported by a growing user base and rising adoption of digital services.&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) exports have reached $3.8 billion, while the freelance economy contributes $779 million in earnings.&nbsp;Digital access continues to expand, with more than 150 million broadband subscriptions and over 200 million telecom connections. The broader mobile ecosystem contributes an estimated $17 billion to the national economy.&nbsp;The report also underscores rapid growth in digital finance.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan has made notable strides in digital payments and financial inclusion. The Raast instant payment system processed Rs18 trillion in peer-to-peer transactions in FY26, demonstrating the rapid adoption of digital financial services,&rdquo; said OICCI President Yousaf Hussain.&nbsp;However, infrastructure limitations remain a key constraint.&nbsp;Only 18% of cellular towers are connected through fiber, well below the global benchmark of around 40%, limiting network capacity and readiness for next-generation technologies.&nbsp;Policy execution is another concern.&nbsp;While engagement on digital policy has improved, implementation remains slow. The report notes that only about one-quarter of recommendations from OICCI&rsquo;s 2022 Digital Report have been carried out.&nbsp;&ldquo;Only about one-quarter of OICCI&rsquo;s digital policy recommendations issued in OICCI&rsquo;s Digital Report 2022 have been implemented so far. Faster execution, improved fiber penetration and a more investment-friendly regulatory environment will be essential to unlock Pakistan&rsquo;s digital potential,&rdquo; said M. Abdul Aleem, Secretary General of OICCI.&nbsp;To address these gaps, the report recommends reducing taxes on broadband services and digital devices, accelerating fiber deployment, ensuring regulatory clarity in data protection and cybersecurity, and strengthening public-private collaboration.&nbsp;The government has set a target of $5 billion in IT exports for FY26, while analysts project exports could reach around $4.5 billion, implying annual growth of 18% to 20% from the $3.8 billion recorded in FY25.&nbsp;Under the broader Uraan Pakistan framework, policymakers are targeting $10 billion in IT exports by FY29, requiring a compound annual growth rate of approximately 27%.&nbsp;The report concludes that while Pakistan&rsquo;s digital economy is expanding and foundational elements are in place, closing infrastructure gaps, accelerating policy implementation, and investing in advanced skills such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity will determine whether current momentum translates into sustained economic impact

Economy

Pakistan’s digital economy is growing fast and could reach 5–7% of GDP by 2030, driven by rising IT exports, digital payments, and increasing internet and mobile use.

Pakistan digital economy seen reaching 7% GDP by 2030: Report

Web Desk/AFP

'Multiple attacks on health have been reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran, in recent days amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East,' WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X.